M U R P H

It's been awhile since this space was updated... not like anyone is reading it, but what the heck? Actually, it's been just about a year... it seems like only yesterday that I replied to a craigslist classified titled "Drummer Wanted". I figured my gigging days were pretty much over and done with. Too much hassle, too much second-hand smoke, too much PA to haul at 3:00 a.m.
But, the style of music the band was playing was just too tempting to ignore. Insrtumental rock, surf, soul, funk, a touch of latin, big-band, and even some lounge... all in a 60's style. Whoda thunk that "electric" music could feel so organic? The retro-vibe is created with reverb-drenched guitars and a wailing Hammond B3... MIDI sequencers, synths, and electronic drums need not apply. I was spellbound by the demos, and quickly realized I had a lot of work ahead of me.
I basically had a five week runway, to knock off twenty years of rust, and to prepare for a six song audition. It's not that I ever truly "quit" drumming... I've had the same set of second-hand Gretsch drums since I was a kid, and no matter where I lived, they have always been set up and ready to go. I'd disturb the neighbors occassionally , but usually when I heard a drummer, or particular rhythm that inspired me to play. I'm talking about the times when you hear something so good, it makes you either want to work like hell to play it, or take out a classified ad to sell all your gear. Fortunately, even if I couldn't cop the inspiring playing, I always had a blast and would swear that "I need to play more often". Funny how a commitment like an audition can also serve to insprire.
I worked my tail off to learn the material. Some of the grooves were familiar to me as a listener, but not as the guy laying down the rhythm for the rest of the band. It didn't take long to realize my musical shortcomings, and I cursed myself for not playing more over the last twenty years ("Slacker!"). I had mostly lost speed and dexterity, but fortunately, remaining an "active listener" and playing occasionally over the years was enough to preserve some level of competence behind the kit. I almost convinced myself that I should bail on the audition, but it got postponed once or twice, which bought me more time, and by the time it did roll around, I figured I had too much time invested to not at least give it a shot.
Stay tuned for more details! (Hey, I haven't written squat in a year, so even this was a breakthrough... more to come, I promise).
-murph